Therapeutic or exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus, the apparatus comprising a first and at least one second slidable element, each of the slidable elements having at least one reduced friction sliding surface, wherein the reduced friction sliding surface of the first element slides over the reduced friction sliding surface of the at least one second element during exercise or therapy.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to therapeutic or exercise devices and in particular to rehabilitation devices for assisting a user to maintain or improve range of motion, particularly following injury or surgery and for low impact exercise.

BACKGROUND ART

Exercise machines in general, are well-known. There are a large number of different machines for exercising different muscles of the body.

Devices to exercise the abdominal muscles in particular are also known. One such known device is constructed such that the exerciser lies on the floor in a supine position, with their head and shoulders supported by a padded member. The padded member is attached to two ground bearing members which are circular in shape and are adapted to provide a rocking motion. The exerciser holds the two ground bearing members and utilising their abdominal muscles, rocks their head and shoulders forward and backward within the machine.

These types of machines often place stress on the users lower back and may also stress the user's neck. They are also known to only exercise the upper abdominal muscles and not the lower abdominal muscles. Usually they are constructed to be folded so that they may be stored in a convenient place. Often the large structural elements must be disassembled or folded. These folding structural elements within the overall device may collapse during vigorous exercise. There is also no means for adjustment in the intensity of the exercise, as it relies only on assisting the natural motion of sitting up.

Also known are the more advanced combination machines. These are designed to provide a cycling element whilst also exercising the abdominal muscles. The user often sits on a cycle-like machine with pedals and grasps a handlebar type assembly. As the pedals are rotated, the handlebar's are moved towards the user's body and away from the user's body by the user. The seat also moves in an up and down motion, and this combined with the back and forth motion of the handlebars exercises the abdominal muscles.

These more advanced machines also often have folding structural elements to facilitate easy storage of the machine. Also, due to their complexity, they are more expensive to construct. They are load bearing in nature, requiring the user to place their full body weight on the machine, and as such need to be much stronger than the machines used whilst lying on the floor. This requires heavier construction which also impacts on cost and ease of use. The machines may become heavy and cumbersome and even though they fold, can still be difficult to move.

Another method of exercise that is well known employs a large ball, sometimes called a Fit Ball, that is placed between a user's back and a vertical surface, such as a wall. The user assumes a squat position and pushes against the ball with his legs and back. The exercise requires the individual to apply sufficient pressure to prevent the ball from dropping through the application of pressure, while using their legs to move the ball for receipt of the exercise effect. Should the ball fall or otherwise loss contact, the individual could injure themself if their physical aliment was of a type that would not allow for sudden movements.

In another embodiment, a larger ball may be used on the floor or the like horizontal surface. As the ball rolls about the surface, the user maintains contact by flexing muscles and the skeleton. In this embodiment, the individual may sit on the ball wherein muscle exercise maintains the individual in an upright position providing spine movement and associated flex movement. The ability for an individual to maintain a position on the ball depends on their balance since the curvature of the ball requires balance at the base and apex of where the individual is situated. If an individual employs the ball to work the back, movement of the ball is necessary. However, excess movement may cause the individual to fall of the ball defeating any beneficial effects.

Another apparatus is a simulated ski or skate slide. This apparatus includes a slide mat and a pair of slide “booties”. The mat is an easy-glide polyethylene surface for a smooth, consistent lateral motion workout. The slide surface length is adjustable to approximately 2.5 m by 55 cm wide, for all fitness levels and training goals—cardiovascular, sprint and endurance training. The slide mat rolls up for storage or transporting. The booties are limited as they can only be used on a user's feet.

Other prior art devices include the following:

1) Ab Dolly Plus illustrated in FIG. 1 Available through ShapeupShop to train multiple muscle groups at the same time by performing front to back, side-to-side or rotational movements with the Ab Dolly Plus. Purchase price $149.95 (US) includes video

-   -   Total body training device     -   Functional core training through multiple planes of motion     -   Targets abdominals, shoulders, chest, back and lower back     -   Two ergonomic handle positions and multidirectional ball bearing         wheels allow for smooth comfortable movement     -   Constructed of high-density polymers     -   Unit includes foam kneepad and instructional video     -   Color: Black and Gray     -   Dimensions: 23″ L×20″ W×5″ H     -   Wt. 5 lbs         2) Power Wheel II illustrated in FIG. 2         This dynamic training device develops core strength, stability         and balance to increase power in the chest, shoulders and arms.         Place your feet in the toe clips, secure with ankle strap and         perform a variety of functional drills: push-ups, pike ups, inch         worms and crab walks.         Place your hands on the hand grips and perform abdominal-core         exercises. These dynamic stabilization exercises produce amazing         results.         3) Torso Roller illustrated in FIG. 3

Priced at $29.95 (US)

-   -   Improve core stability while building firmer and stronger abs     -   The Torso Roller is a unique device built on 4 wheels for a more         stable rolling motion     -   Built-in resilient cord pulley provides resistance as you roll         away from your body and assists you as you pull your arms back         to the starting position     -   Foam hand grips for comfort     -   Steel handbars are removable for easy storage and portability     -   Made of durable plastic     -   Knee pad included         4) Ab Slide illustrated in FIG. 4         Advertisers of this product (Wonderful buys.com) claim “3         minutes a day to see results. It can apparently dramatically         improve and strengthen your upper and lower abdominal muscles,         arms and shoulders. The farther you slide out, the more         resistance you will feel resulting in a more intense abdominal         workout.         It works on hard or carpeted floors so you can workout virtually         anytime and anywhere you want. If you're ready to start         strengthening your abdominal muscles, give it a try and you'll         soon be showing off your new and improved midsection!” Priced at         $29.95 (US), includes exercise instruction guide.

All four of the above devices are relatively complex which increases the number of parts which can be broken. They also provide only linear movements due to most being mounted on wheels with fixed axles.

If the individual has certain physical handicaps, the current ball exercise devices could not occur without the assistance of support personnel. This makes the use of current ball technology limited to those persons who have the assistance of support personnel or risk injury to themselves while attempting rehabilitation. There is an additional problem which exists for elderly people in that they generally lack the physical strength or flexibility to exercise using a ball which involves lowering themselves onto the ground and the like.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a therapeutic or exercise apparatus, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in an apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus, the apparatus comprising a first and at least one second slidable element, each of the slidable elements having at least one reduced friction sliding surface, wherein the reduced friction sliding surface of the first element slides over the of the reduced friction sliding surface of the at least one second element during exercise or therapy.

The apparatus according to this aspect of the invention is adapted for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus. The apparatus may be used for either or both exercise or therapy depending upon the needs of the user. The difference between using the apparatus for therapy or exercise may preferably depend on the intensity of the activity. The apparatus may ideally be used for low impact activity due to the reduction in friction force between the slidable elements when the apparatus is used.

The apparatus comprises a first and at least one second slidable element. There may suitably be only one first slidable element but it is to be appreciated that a first slidable element according to a first embodiment of the invention may also be seen as a second slidable element according to another embodiment.

The first element will generally take the form of a mat or substantially planar member. The mat may suitably possess a substantially non-slip (or low-slip) rear surface opposed to the reduced friction (front) surface. In this form, the mat may be approximately 1 m by 1 m to allow an average sized person sufficient room to perform exercises on or using the mat. It is to be appreciated that the mat may be larger or smaller as suited to the user, the exercise requirement or the space in which the apparatus is to be used.

The mat may generally be placed adjacent a surface such as a wall, bed, table or floor, such that the surface bears the weight of the mat together with any weight force applied by the user during the activity. The non-slip rear surface may be placed adjacent the support surface and allow the first element to be maintained in position due to its non-slip characteristics. When used in conjunction with a door or wall, the may be suspended from an upper portion of the door or wall either by laying a portion of the mat over the door for example or using appropriate suspension means for suspending the first element adjacent the surface.

The mat may be padded to provide additional comfort to the user when using the apparatus. The padding may suitably be provided between the rear surface and the front, sliding surface. The padding may be attached to either, both or neither of the rear surface and the front, sliding surface. Suitably the rear surface may be attached to the front, sliding surface to enclose the padding.

The first element may equally be provided in a form other than a mat. For example, a shaped or three dimensional element may be provided. For example, it is known to provide a spherical element such as a ball for use in exercise (Fit Ball, see Background Art). According to the invention, the first element may be spherical or rectangular for example or it may be otherwise shaped to facilitate performance of a particular exercise.

According to the alternative configurations of the first element, the entire surface of the first element may be a sliding surface or only a portion of the entire surface may be a sliding surface.

The first element may be provided with means to prevent sliding off the surface. These means may be provided at or integral with at least one edge of the first surface and preferably at lateral edges. The means may be provided as bund elements such as sand-filled elements attached adjacent to the edge of the first element.

Each of the second elements provided according to this aspect of the invention may preferably be mat-like in configuration. Similarly to the first element, the second element may have different configurations and the mat configuration is a preferred configuration only. For example, a rolling pin shaped second element may be used to exercise the abdominal muscles by sliding back and forth.

The second element may be similar to the first element but be smaller in size. The second element may suitably possess a substantially non-slip (or low-slip) rear surface opposed to the reduced friction (front) surface. Again the second elements may be padded to provide additional comfort to the user when using the apparatus. The padding may suitably be provided between the rear surface and the front, sliding surface. The padding may be attached to either, both or neither of the rear surface and the front, sliding surface. Suitably the rear surface may be attached to the front, sliding surface to enclose the padding. Depending upon the desires of the user, the second element may be approximately half the size of the first element.

As stated above, there may be a plurality of second elements provided and the second elements may be available in a variety of sizes. In general, if the first element is provided at a particular size, then the second elements may be provided in a variety of sizes such as ½, ¼, and ⅛ the size of the first element. More than one second element of each size may be provided. For example, the apparatus may be sold in kit form including one first element, one half-size second element and two to four quarter-sized second elements.

Preferably, the second elements may be provided in pairs to facilitate use by pairs of appendages such as both arms or legs of a user. Where multiple second elements are provided in different sizes, one of the second elements may be used as a first element and one or more smaller second elements may be used with it.

Each of the slidable elements have at least one reduced friction sliding surface. Preferably, the elements are provided in the form of a mat and in this form, there may be only one sliding surface on each mat. When on a first element, the surface will generally be oriented upwardly or outwardly from the support surface when the apparatus is in use. When on a second element, the surface will generally be oriented downwardly or inwardly from the support surface when the apparatus is in use.

When the elements are provided in three-dimensional form, there may be more than one surface which is a sliding surface. The sliding surface will generally be a lowered friction surface and may be manufactured from a material with a lower co-efficient of sliding friction. According to a preferred form, the material maybe a fabric or woven material made from artificial fibres such as a plastics material. One example is woven polyester although it may be other materials. One particularly preferred material is a low friction Slide sheet material manufactured by Smart Sheet.

The weave may have directional characteristics. Suitably, either the warp or weft elements of the weave may stand proud of the other element and thereby provide increased resistance when an article slides over the weave in a first direction but decreased resistance when an article slides over the weave in a second direction. This effect may be increased or decreased when a first sliding surface slides over a second sliding surface.

According to the invention, the reduced friction sliding surface of the first element slides over the of the reduced friction sliding surface of the at least one second element during exercise or therapy. When used in this manner, the surfaces may allow lowered friction between the surfaces and therefore a lower impact motion.

In another form, the invention resides in a method of exercise or therapy utilising the apparatus as described above, in the performance of exercises.

In this form, the first element of the apparatus may be oriented substantially vertically or horizontally or at any angle. For example, the first element may be placed on a bed, the floor, a wall or a table or other object.

The exercises may incorporate single appendage movements, dual appendage movements or reciprocating movements in any direction in order to exercise a muscle or group of muscles, or to stretch a body part. For example, some muscles or muscle groups are most effectively exercised using reciprocating movements whereas a single muscle may be isolated more by single arm or leg movements. There may be an exercise program specifically adapted for use with children or pediatric users. Typically, this program will include games or activities which incorporate exercising movements.

The movements may be linear, arcuate or rotating movements. Similarly, the level or intensity of activity may be adjusted to stretch muscles or muscle groups, provide a cardiovascular workout or a resistance workout. There may be routines of exercises performed and examples of exercises and their methods of performance are contained in ANNEX 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention used to stretch the upper chest and arms.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention used to exercise the legs.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention used to stretch the lower leg and calves.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention used in the kneeling position to stretch the upper chest and arms.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a second slidable element of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a reverse perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a second slidable element of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the side restraint modules of a second slidable element of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a second slidable element of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the lower side of a second preferred embodiment of a second slidable element of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus is provided.

The apparatus is ideally suited for low impact activity due to the reduction in friction force between the slidable elements when the apparatus is used.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the apparatus comprises a first 10 and at least one second 11 slidable element. There is only one first slidable element 10 but it is to be appreciated that a first slidable element 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention may also be seen as a second slidable element according to another embodiment.

The first element 10 is substantially planar member or mat. The mat 10 possesses a substantially non-slip (or low-slip) rear surface 12 opposed to the reduced friction (front) surface 13. In this form, the mat is approximately 1 m by 1 m to allow an average sized person sufficient room to perform exercises on or using the mat 10.

The mat 10 is placed on the floor, such that non-slip rear surface 12 is adjacent the floor and allows the mat 10 to be maintained in position due to its non-slip characteristics. When used in conjunction with a door or wall (not illustrated), the mat 10 is suspended from an upper portion of the door or wall either by laying a portion of the mat 10 over the door for example or using appropriate suspension means for suspending the mat adjacent the surface.

The mat 10 is padded to provide additional comfort to the user when using the apparatus. The padding is provided between the rear surface 12 and the front, sliding surface 13.

In an alternative configuration illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 9, the mat 10 is provided with means to prevent the second element 11 sliding off the surface of the mat 10. These means are provided at the lateral edges of the first surface 13. The means are provided as sand-filled elements 14 attached adjacent to the edges of the first element.

Each of the second elements 11 provided according to this aspect of the invention have a mat-like configuration.

The second element 11 are similar in construction to the mat 10 but be smaller in size. The second element 11 possesses a substantially non-slip (or low-slip) rear surface opposed to the reduced friction (front) surface. Again the second elements 11 are padded to provide additional comfort to the user when using the apparatus. Depending upon the desires of the user, the second element 11 may be approximately half the size of the first element as seen in FIG. 1 or smaller as seen in FIGS. 2 to 4.

As stated above and seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, there may be a plurality of second elements provided and the second elements will be available in a variety of sizes. In general, if the mat 10 is provided at a 1 m×1 m size, then the second elements may be provided in a variety of sizes such as ½, ¼, and ⅛ the size of the mat 10. More than one second element 11 of each size may be provided as seen in FIG. 4. Usually, the apparatus will be sold in kit form including one first element, one half-size second element and two to four quarter-sized second elements.

Each of the slidable elements have at least one reduced friction sliding surface 13. Where the elements are provided in the form of a mat there will be only one sliding surface 13 on each mat. When on a mat 10, the surface is oriented upwardly or outwardly from the support surface when the apparatus is in use. When on a second element 11, the surface is oriented downwardly or inwardly from the support surface when the apparatus is in use.

The sliding surface is a lowered friction surface and is manufactured from a material with a lower co-efficient of sliding friction. According to the preferred form, the material is a woven material made from artificial fibres such as a plastics material.

The weave has directional characteristics. Either the warp or weft elements of the weave stand proud of the other element and thereby provide increased resistance when an article slides over the weave in a first direction but decreased resistance when an article slides over the weave in a second direction. This effect is increased or decreased when a first sliding surface slides over a second sliding surface.

According to the invention, the reduced friction sliding surface of the first element slides over the of the reduced friction sliding surface of the at least one second element during exercise or therapy. When used in this manner, the surfaces may allow lowered friction between the surfaces and therefore a lower impact motion.

The invention apparatus of the invention is used in exercise or therapy utilising the apparatus as described above, in the performance of exercises. The exercises may incorporate single appendage movements, dual appendage movements or reciprocating movements in any direction in order to exercise a muscle or group of muscles, or to stretch a body part. For example, some muscles or muscle groups are most effectively exercised using reciprocating movements whereas a single muscle may be isolated more by single arm or leg movements.

The movements may be linear, arcuate or rotating movements. Similarly, the level or intensity of activity may be adjusted to stretch muscles or muscle groups, provide a cardiovascular workout or a resistance workout.

A particular embodiment of an exercise list according to the invention is described in ANNEX 1 and forms part of the specification.

According to the list included in the ANNEX, the exercises are defined by a user position, an exercise category, an exercise description and the movement type. The movement type can be either a single appendage, dual appendages moving together or reciprocating movement where two appendages are used in the movement, but the movement of each takes place at different times (alternating) or different directions.

As an example, the first exercise is performed with the user facing a mat suspended from a wall or door. The exercise is categorised as a stretching exercise and is specifically described as an exercise for wrist/finger extension. The movement describes how the exercise is performed and this exercise may be performed on a single or duel basis, namely one or two arms. All of the exercises in the list can be described and understood in these terms. The final page of the exercises listed in the ANNEX are specifically designed for pediatric users or children.

In the present specification and claims, the word “comprising” and its derivatives including “comprises” and “comprise” include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. 

1. An apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus, the apparatus comprising a first flexible slide element having at least one reduced friction sliding surface and at least one dimensionally stable, second slidable element having a planar reduced friction sliding surface, wherein the reduced friction sliding surface of the at least one second element slides over the reduced friction sliding surface of the first element during exercise or therapy.
 2. An apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the use of the apparatus for therapy or exercise depends on the intensity of the activity.
 3. An apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first element is in the form of a substantially planar mat having a substantially non-slip (or low-slip) rear surface opposed to the reduced friction (front) surface.
 4. An apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first element is provided in a shaped or three dimensional form, such as spherical or rectangular.
 5. An apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first element is provided with bunding means to prevent the second element sliding off the sliding surface of the first element.
 6. An apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one second element has a substantially non-slip (or low-slip) rear surface opposed to the reduced friction (front) surface.
 7. An apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of second elements are provided, the second elements having a variety of sizes smaller than the first element.
 8. An apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the apparatus is in kit form including one first element, one approximately half-size second element and at least two approximately quarter-sized second elements.
 9. An apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding surface of each element is manufactured from a woven material made from artificial fibres having a low-co-efficient of sliding friction.
 10. An apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the woven material having directional characteristics.
 11. An apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein one of either the warp or weft elements of the weave stand proud of the other element and thereby provide increased resistance when the weave slides in a first direction but decreased resistance when the weave slides in a second direction.
 12. A method of exercise or therapy utilising the apparatus as described in any one of the preceding claims, including the step of moving at least one second element in relation to the first element in the performance of exercises.
 13. A method of exercise or therapy according to claim 12 wherein the first element of the apparatus is oriented substantially vertically.
 14. A method of exercise or therapy according to claim 12 wherein the first element of the apparatus is oriented substantially horizontally.
 15. A method of exercise or therapy according to claim 12 wherein the first element of the apparatus is oriented to an angle to the horizontal.
 16. A method of exercise or therapy according to claim 12 wherein the exercises incorporate single appendage movements, dual appendage movements or reciprocating movements, performed in any direction in order to exercise a muscle or group of muscles, or to stretch a body part.
 17. A method of exercise or therapy according to claim 12 wherein the movements are linear, arcuate or rotating movements.
 18. A method of exercise or therapy according to claim 12 wherein the level or intensity of exercise is adjusted to stretch muscles or muscle groups, provide a cardiovascular workout or a resistance workout.
 19. A method of exercise or therapy according to claim 12 wherein one or more exercises chosen from the group of exercises contained in ANNEX 1 are performed. 